An overview of Electricité de France Research and Development projects in the field of Occupational Radiological Protection Emmanuelle GAILLARD-LECANU Sylvie JAHAN Reinald KUTSCHERA Isabelle FUCKS Estelle COURAGEOT (EDF Research and Development) Hakim MOHAND-KACI (CS) Gérard CORDIER (EDF Nuclear Generation) ISOE 2012
Framework Major RP concerns at EDF: Reduction of the largest doses (> 10 msv/y - < 1% of the work force outside workers) Reduction of the number of personal contamination events Improvement of the radiological cleanliness Limit the increase of the collective dose that could be observed (increase of maintenance operations) Enhance the security for likely high dose activities Justification for a R&D RP project Evolution of techniques and of scientific knowledge improved means available for the radiation protection of workers Evolution of the risk management and the regulation Potential additional risk to monitor Improve staff competencies, rules comprehension and organizational reliability progress in eradication of RP events
EPURE project at a glance Project data Long-term initiative with a 3-years project EPURE: 2012-2014 2.4 M /year Topics addressed Nuclear measurement and process optimization Surface and atmospheric contamination RMS and 3D dose map Risk management and human factor Training, expertise and partnership EDF skills involved Human factor Robotics Decontamination Measurement techniques Signal / data processing Numerical simulation (particle physics and fluid dynamics) Knowledge management Information technology RP
Advanced instrumentation portable gamma camera EDF objective: reduce individual and collective doses Technical issue: identify radioactive hot spots ( 60 Co) with a routine instrument Principle: superimpose visible and gamma images Partnership with CEA Technology jump : SC vs scintillator 30 kg to < 3 kg Camcorder mode available
Predictive model of airborne contamination EDF objective: Prevent from internal contamination Technical issues: Optimize the number and position of CAMs and detect as early as possible a contamination release Investigate the causes of an airborne contamination event if a reverse model can be defined Principle: computer simulation for the aerosol transport and deposition in a ventilated reactor building
Remote monitoring systems EDF objective: reduce individual and collective doses Specific issue: to be able to anticipate a change in the radiological situation Principle: to integrate teledosimetry, air and radiation monitoring, audio and video liaison to a centralized supervisor Individual dosimeters Rad. monitors CAMs Video Audio supervisor
Improvement of NDE safety using gammagraphy EDF Objective: Enhance the security for likely high dose activities Specific issue: Improvement of gammagraphic non destructive examinations safety through the analysis of human behavior and organizational reliability Work in progress since 2008: Enhanced organization around gammagraphy Specific organization which integrates NPP Management, Outage Management, gammagraphy coordinator and supervisor (effective control of the operation) Ability in adapting to specific circumstances together with keeping position when facing some disruptions. Roadmap 2012 Focus on identifying practices from the different NDE contractors and various working conditions In order to enhance both security and performance Model to measure risk of gammagraphic inspections
Development of a realistic practical RP training Technical issues (all EDF objectives addressed): To develop an advanced method for a realistic training, providing the trainees with high-quality dose readings, and avoiding the use of radioactive sources To include this method in dedicated training programs including risk assessment basis and technical issues. Principle: To calculate a realistic and dynamic dose map combined to real-time display of the dose for the trainee. 50% of the workforce will be replaced within 5 years Local display for trainees Indoor location tracking system Communication Interface Trainer MMI 3D Transport code
Conclusion and perspectives Major RP concerns at EDF: Reduction of the largest doses (> 10 msv/y - < 1% of the workforce outside workers) Reduction of the number of personal contamination events Improvement of the radiological cleanliness Limit the increase of the collective dose that could be observed (increase of maintenance operations) Enhance the security for likely high dose activities To support these goals, EDF R&D: Pays attention to being connected to the needs of the operator Provides the operator with an integrated research project (aiming at a better characterization of the risk along with an enhanced comprehension for the workers as well as improvements of related processes) Develops efficient partnership with research laboratories Participates in ISO standardization as well as in other expert groups to develop its RP expertise Tries to develop a three-levels view, combining short-, medium-, and long-term studies.
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